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  Baseball swing trainerUSPTO Application #: 20060135292Title: Baseball swing trainer Abstract: The present invention relates to a baseball swing trainer. In a first embodiment, a ball is pivotally attached to a vertical arm which is slidably attached to an oblique arm, the oblique arm is attached to a horizontal arm which is attached to a support structure; the vertical arm is contained within a first and second guide arm; a stopping member is attached to a first end of the oblique arm and a stopping bar is attached to a second end of the oblique arm such that when the ball is struck, the ball pivots on the vertical arm as the vertical arm slides up the oblique arm, striking the stopping bar and thereafter sliding back down the oblique arm to return to its starting position cradled within the stopping member. The travel path of the ball provides instantaneous feedback as to the quality of the swing. (end of abstract) Agent: Mitchell A. Smolow - Shavertown, PA, US Inventor: Thomas Griffin USPTO Applicaton #: 20060135292 - Class: 473453000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Games Using Tangible Projectile, Playing Field Or Court Game; Game Element Or Accessory Therefor Other Than Projector Or Projectile, Per Se, Practice Or Training Device, For Game In Which Play Involves Base Running (e.g., For Baseball, Cricket, Etc.), Bat Swing Analyzer Or Guide The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060135292. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates generally to athletic training devices, and in particular, to baseball swing trainers. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Baseball has been referred to as America's Pastime. For over one hundred years its popularity as both a spectator event and recreational activity has not diminished. Nearly every community has youth leagues where children as young as five years old participate in organized baseball games. [0003] One of the most difficult skills for a young player to learn is to swing the baseball bat level. Indeed, players of all ages, including professional baseball players, continually practice their swing. A level swing provides optimum contact with the ball, produces the most power and, hence, increases the probability of achieving a "base hit". [0004] One key factor used in producing a level baseball swing is to develop what is commonly called "muscle memory" of a proper swing. In essence, repeatedly executing a level swing allows the utilized muscle groups to "remember" what a level swing feels like so that proper execution becomes automatic. Swing training devices, therefore, are designed to allow immediate feedback to the hitter to consistently and repeatedly produce the desired level swing. [0005] Throughout the years many attempts have been made to develop a baseball swing trainer or warm up device which is uncomplicated in structure, economic to produce, adjustable to different size hitters, and allows for automatic return of the baseball to a starting position. [0006] These devices have included various methods of suspending a ball from a rope mounted to a horizontal support member; attaching a ball to a rigid member; or combinations of the two, such as a suspending a rope with a portion of the rope passing through a tube positioned immediately above the ball. The ideal swing training device would also cause the ball when struck with a level swing to consistently take a smooth fight path that simulates the natural motion of a well struck pitched ball. [0007] Unfortunately, the ideal swing trainer has not yet been achieved. Known ball striking devices have either failed to duplicate the normal striking position of a well struck pitched ball, failed to provide a realistic feel and flight of a well struck pitched ball, are overly complex, or are too expensive to manufacture to allow purchase for young ball players. Accordingly, there is still a continuing need for improved baseball swing trainers. The present invention fulfills this need, and further provides related advantages. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] The present invention relates to a baseball swing trainer. In a first embodiment, a ball is pivotally attached to a vertical arm which is slidably attached to an oblique arm. The oblique arm is attached to a horizontal arm which is attached to a support structure. The vertical arm is contained within a first and second guide arm. Attached to a first end of the oblique arm is a stopping member and attached to a second end of the oblique arm is a stopping bar such that when the ball is struck, the ball pivots on the vertical arm as the vertical arm slides up the oblique arm, striking the stopping bar and thereafter sliding back down the oblique arm to return to its starting position cradled within the stopping member. [0009] In a second embodiment of the present invention, a method for training a level baseball swing comprises the steps of adjusting a ball to a predetermined swing height; swinging a bat to strike the ball; and watching the travel path of the struck ball to gauge swing effectiveness, wherein the ball is pivotally attached to a vertical arm which is slidably attached to an oblique arm, the oblique arm is attached to a horizontal arm which is attached to a support structure; the vertical arm is contained within a first and second guide arm; a stopping member is attached to a first end of the oblique arm and a stopping bar is attached to a second end of the oblique arm such that when the ball is struck, the ball pivots on the vertical arm as the vertical arm slides up the oblique arm, striking the stopping bar and thereafter sliding back down the oblique arm to return to its starting position cradled within the stopping member. [0010] One advantage of the present invention is that the pivoting movement of the ball as the vertical bar slides along the oblique bar closely mimics the flight path of a well struck ball allowing for immediate feedback of swing effectiveness. [0011] Another advantage of the present invention is that the non-complex design allows for economical production costs, thereby making the swing trainer affordable to young players. [0012] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] FIG. 1 is an oblique view of the baseball swing trainer of the present invention. [0014] FIG. 2 is a side view of the baseball swing trainer. [0015] FIG. 3 is an oblique view of the pivotal mounting of the oblique arm to the horizontal arm. [0016] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the saddle in situ taken at section 4-4 of FIG. 2. [0017] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the sling riding on the sling rod. [0018] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the sling riding on the apex of an extruded oblique arm. [0019] FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating the sling positioning tabs. [0020] FIG. 8 is a top view illustrating the sling positioning tabs. Continue reading... Full patent description for Baseball swing trainer Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Baseball swing trainer patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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